Since 1949, Paige has graced the screen and stage in over 100 movies, plays, and TV shows.
In a 2005 interview for the Television Academy Foundation, the renowned actor shared her perspective on auditioning. She emphasized that when an actor goes for an audition, it’s not just about getting the job. To her, the entire experience is a privilege, an opportunity to act and perform in front of someone. She believed that the experience of acting itself is rewarding, regardless of the outcome of the audition.
Paige stepped onto the Broadway stage in 1951, co-starring with Jackie Cooper in the intriguing comedy Remains to Be Seen. Her success led her to land a lead role in the popular musical comedy The Pajama Game three years later. The show revolved around the character of Babe Williams, a union organizer in a factory who falls in love with the new superintendent. Paige played the role of Williams, making it a hit among audiences.
In 1990, she fondly reminisced about the past, saying “We were the happiest bunch of people you ever saw in your life,” despite initial doubts about their success. The idea of a show centered around a pajama factory seemed unlikely, but they proved everyone wrong and became a smash hit. For her, it was a unique and unforgettable time that could never be replicated.
Paige’s career brought her back to Broadway on three separate occasions, where she landed leading roles in productions such as “Here’s Love” in 1963 and “Alone Together” in 1984. In 1968, Paige took on the title role in “Mame” as a replacement for Angela Lansbury.
During her time in films, she had the opportunity to work alongside some of the biggest names in Hollywood. She starred alongside Doris Day in the film Please Don’t Eat the Daisies and appeared with Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse in the 1957 comedy Silk Stockings .
In a 2016 interview, Paige revealed that starring in “Silk Stockings” was no easy feat. As she put it, “believe me, it was hard work.” Paige found herself covered in bruises and struggling to execute basic dance moves. “I didn’t know how to fall,” she admitted. “I didn’t know how to get down on a table – I didn’t know how to save myself because I was never a classic dancer.” Paige recognized that these were skills that dancers learn as part of their training.
During the 1955-1956 period, she appeared on television as a widowed mother in her own sitcom titled It’s Always Jan . In 1976 and 1978, Paige portrayed a seductive waitress who lured Archie Bunker in multiple episodes of the popular show All in the Family .
From 1977 to 1980, she portrayed the free-spirited sister of Dick van Patten on “Eight Is Enough”. In 1985-1986, she played the role of a hospital administrator on “Trapper John, M.D.”. Additionally, she starred as Minx Lockridge in the daytime soap “Santa Barbara” from 1990-1993 and as Iona Huntington on “General Hospital” from 1989-1990. Notably, she was also the former flame of Lou Grant on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” in 1976.
During the 1950s and 1960s, she made appearances as a guest star on various television shows, including Lux Video Theatre, Shower of Stars, Wagon Train, The Fugitive, and The Red Skelton Hour.
She wrapped up her career with a last credit in a 2001 episode of the TV series Family Law.
